Menu toggle

Sun is shining in Ireland but roof is dead

J

Jfarrell32

New member
Great sunny day in Ireland but problem with roof. I had the car parked in my garage during the past few weeks of bad weather so was delighted to see the sun shining today so planned a nice drive. However when I tried to drop roof no luck. I released the lever on roof and it auto drops the windows - all working as normal but when I pressed the button to drop the roof nothing happens (no clicks or any noise from mechanism). I have double checked to ensure hand break (parking break) is on etc. but no luck. I have also checked fuses and all seem ok (roof fuse is shared). Any suggestions or similar experience you can share would be greatly appreciated. Before I take it to garage I would like to have an idea of the root cause. rgds,

PS it is a 2001 3.2s
 
Try removing the relay and reseating it, it may be stuck or a little corrosion on the terminals. Sorry but can't remember where it is located.
 

That's really annoying John.

Is the brake light illuminated when you apply the handbrake? If not then this would indicate a brake micro-switch fault.

It sounds as though the switch in the windscreen header rail is working OK since the windows are dropping.

This forum also mentions a relay which might be useful to check:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/boxster-cayman-forum/584145-top-not-working-98-boxster-any-diagnostic-steps-available.html

Hope that helps.

Jeff
 
Relay position is somewhere below the dash according to the attached link:-

http://www.theschillings.com/boxrelay.htm

Hopefully you can drop the top before the weather changes! After all that's where the forty shades of green come from!
 
Thanks for the suggestions, have already checked break light and working so assume it is not the micro switch - next will try and find the relay. Is there any way to know if the relay is faulty? sun is still out so fingers crossed....
 

Apart from sustitution John, I doubt that there's a way of checking the functioning of the 2 relays shown on Kevan's link, although you should be able to hear them clicking when you try to operate the roof.

I'd try removing/reseating them to see if that cures the problem. Hopefully it's just a bad contact.

Lucky you - low cloud here in Beds and haven't seen that yellow disc for about a week ..!

Jeff
 
Hi, how about the roof switch itself? Sounds like the windscreen header microswitch is fine as windows drop, also handbrake light comes on when handbrake is on. If no sound or indication that pushing the switch is recognised I would also check the switch itself if not done already...

Doesn't the light for the roof come on when switch is pressed and then go out when roof is fully retracted or back up? If this light doesn't come on then sounds like the car doesn't recognise the switch push.
 
brake micro-switch fault
Click to expand...

Did my diy and removed the relay and cleaned gently but no luck. However when I undid the roof latch I did notice the handbreak light flicker and when I did a bit of fiddling noticed that the handbreak light is not working (now does not light up) which Jeff suggested could be a brake micro-switch fault. Is this an easy switch to find and replace? Otherwise it may be time to go to my friendly and expensive local garage. thanks John
 
bit confusing and no success! few points, assume relay is working since it is a shared unit and top latch operates windows etc. Second, after much testing handbrake light is working correctly so seems micro switch for roof must be working also. Not sure how to get at the actual switch on dash to see if it is faulty but guess I have to surrender and bring to a dealer. thanks for the help, John

PS just to add to the misery I am getting a double beep from the car when I turn off and get out which I think indicates some other fault..... after a smooth start with the car am getting a few niggles.
 

Sorry to hear that John.

At least the dealer will be able to run some diagnostics and, hopefully, pinpoint the source of the problem to minimise repair costs.

Hope you get it fixed quickly to make use of the improving weather (or have I spoken too soon..?).

Jeff
 
If you are getting two beeps when you try to lock the car it indicates something is open. Anything from doors to both boots but can also be the small lockable compartment behind the handbrake, easy to leave open and needs slamming shut!

It could also be the roof switch as I believe the car would beep twice when locking if you did not latch the roof properly closed?
 

Just a thought John but is it possible to retract the hood manually? At least you'd get to do some top-down motoring.

Might be useful to check your handbook.

Jeff
 
Jonathan, I think the beep is a fault. checked manual and seems there is a double warning beep if there is a fault in car. I get this beep when I turn her off and get out of car - it is not when I lock it. rgds John
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Archant Dialogue
Back
Top